Why NC State LB AJ Richardson, a Norfolk State transfer, will always be himself

When Norfolk State transfer linebacker AJ Richardson arrived at NC State for the spring semester, he wanted to pick No. 15 on his trip to the equipment room. It was the same jersey number he donned at both Kings Mountain (N.C.) High and Norfolk State, but it wasn’t going to just be handed to him.  Instead of getting the initial number he desired, NC State issued No. 41 to the newcomer. If he wanted to wear his usual integer with the Wolfpack, Richardson needed to prove it. In a way, that’s been what has motivated the defender through his entire football career to this point.  Another challenge? Richardson was up for it.  Fast forward to game week with NC State’s season opener against East Carolina fast approaching on Thursday night (7 p.m., ACC Network), Richardson walked into the lobby of the Close-King Indoor Practice Facility in his new number: 15.